Purdue Global University
HS140X ASSESSMENT 1
PURDUE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY HS140X
Purdue Global University
PART 1: DRUG NAMES AND CLASSIFICATION
1. Explain how you can tell the difference between a generic name drug and a brand name
drug merely by looking at their names. (6 pts)
The generic name typically refers to the active ingredient in a medication and is often
simpler, deriving from the chemical name. It follows a standardized naming system
and may include a specific suffix or prefix identifying its drug class. For example, the
generic name for the cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor is Atorvastatin calcium.
The brand name is given by the pharmaceutical company that develops the drug.
These names tend to be catchier or more marketable and may feature unique spellings
or combinations of letters. For instance, Lipitor is a brand name and is easily
recognizable.
2. There are several terms that indicate drug actions which are used to describe medications
in various drug references. Briefly define each of the following terms:
(12 pts total; 3 pts each)
a. Actions cellular changes occur due to drug-induced alterations in cell structure
and function.
b. Contraindications are specific situations or conditions in which medication
should not be administered.
c. Side effects and adverse reactions are unintended effects that can occur with the
use of a medication, which may be mild and temporary. Adverse reactions,
however, are more severe and potentially harmful responses to a drug that may
require medical intervention.
d. Interactions refer to the effects that may occur when a medication is taken
alongside other drugs, foods, or substances, altering its effectiveness or safety.
, These would include both drug-drug interactions and drug-food interactions,
which can change how a drug works or increase the risk of side effects.
3. Explain the difference between a legend drug, an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and a
controlled substance. (9 pts)
A legend drug, over-the-counter (OTC) drug, and controlled substance refer to different
categories of medications, each with their own regulations and uses.
Legend drug is a medication that requires a prescription.
Over the counter (OTC) or non-legend drug is a medication that does not require a
prescription.
HS140X ASSESSMENT 1
PURDUE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY HS140X
Purdue Global University
PART 1: DRUG NAMES AND CLASSIFICATION
1. Explain how you can tell the difference between a generic name drug and a brand name
drug merely by looking at their names. (6 pts)
The generic name typically refers to the active ingredient in a medication and is often
simpler, deriving from the chemical name. It follows a standardized naming system
and may include a specific suffix or prefix identifying its drug class. For example, the
generic name for the cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor is Atorvastatin calcium.
The brand name is given by the pharmaceutical company that develops the drug.
These names tend to be catchier or more marketable and may feature unique spellings
or combinations of letters. For instance, Lipitor is a brand name and is easily
recognizable.
2. There are several terms that indicate drug actions which are used to describe medications
in various drug references. Briefly define each of the following terms:
(12 pts total; 3 pts each)
a. Actions cellular changes occur due to drug-induced alterations in cell structure
and function.
b. Contraindications are specific situations or conditions in which medication
should not be administered.
c. Side effects and adverse reactions are unintended effects that can occur with the
use of a medication, which may be mild and temporary. Adverse reactions,
however, are more severe and potentially harmful responses to a drug that may
require medical intervention.
d. Interactions refer to the effects that may occur when a medication is taken
alongside other drugs, foods, or substances, altering its effectiveness or safety.
, These would include both drug-drug interactions and drug-food interactions,
which can change how a drug works or increase the risk of side effects.
3. Explain the difference between a legend drug, an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and a
controlled substance. (9 pts)
A legend drug, over-the-counter (OTC) drug, and controlled substance refer to different
categories of medications, each with their own regulations and uses.
Legend drug is a medication that requires a prescription.
Over the counter (OTC) or non-legend drug is a medication that does not require a
prescription.
